Audit: Sylvia Luke’s Campaign Missed Thousands in Donations

Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke failed to report $7,870 in campaign donations and $3,882 in spending during the first six months of 2022, according to an audit. This comes in the weeks after Luke indicated she is the “influential lawmaker” named in FBI records as accepting cash during a meeting, though she maintains she never took $35,000 mentioned in those records.

Civil Beat. Star-Advertiser. KITV4.

48 Hawaiian Airlines Employees to Be Laid Off

The company notified the state that the cuts affect 48 Hawaiʻi-based, non-union employees whose jobs will end in May or June. A majority of the employees work in the corporate headquarters. They are being given a retention bonus and a severance package.

KHON2.

Hawaiʻi Gas Prices Tick Up Amid Nationwide Spike

Gas prices throughout the state have risen only a little in the past week amid a large increase nationally, and it’s uncertain whether a spike driven by the war in Iran could be around the corner. The average price per gallon for regular gas Monday in Hawaiʻi was $4.52, up 3% from $4.39 a week earlier, according to AAA.

Star-Advertiser. KHON2.

Rental Car Companies Might Have to Pay Full GET On Fleet Purchases

The state House of Representatives passed a law that would subject rental car fleet purchases to the full general excise tax instead of the current wholesale tax rate of 0.5%. The measure will next be heard by the Senate.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Former Hawaiʻi Lawmaker Bertrand Kobayashi Awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun

Former state legislator Bertrand Yoshito Kobayashi was formally presented on March 3 with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, one of Japan’s highest honors, in recognition of his decades-long work strengthening ties between Japan, Hawaiʻi and the United States.

Star-Advertiser.

O‘ahu Headlines

Council Reviews Mayor’s $5 Billion Budget for 2027

The Honolulu City Council had its first review Monday of the city’s proposed $5.08 billion budget package for the 2027 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

Star-Advertiser.

Kaimukī Residents Voice Concerns Over New Bus Route 200 Changes

Route 9 used to travel through the main areas of Kaimukī town — connecting riders to places like the library, post office and Leahi Hospital. But more than a year ago, the route changed to Route 200, which instead runs along Alohea Avenue and 7th Avenue.

KITV4.

Mike Miske Killed Himself to Protect $20 Million Estate, Prosecutors Say

Michael Miske Jr., the convicted leader of Hawaiʻi’s most notorious criminal organization, died of a fentanyl overdose in December 2024 as he faced mandatory minimum life sentences on two of his charges and government seizure of his properties. Now, prosecutors say that he conspired to smuggle fentanyl into the prison and intentionally overdose to interfere with the government’s asset forfeiture proceedings.

Civil Beat. Hawaii News Now.

Hawai‘i Island Headlines

‘No Trespass’ Signs Thwart County Inspections of Kona Dome House

Vacation rentals aren’t permitted on farmland under state law, but recent legal battles show some Big Island landowners want to test that. A suspicious dome that doesn’t exist — at least according to county records — has popped up along the Kona Coast. A county inspector tried to check it out. He was stopped by “No Trespassing” signs on adjoining properties.

Civil Beat.

Applications Open for Koa Canoe Logs From Kapāpala

Individuals and organizations can apply to acquire a koa canoe log for use in kālaiwaʻa, the construction of traditional Hawaiian canoes.

Big Island Video News.

Maui Headlines

Mayor Bissen Appoints Margaret Willis as New County Director of Human Concerns

Citing successful houseless programs in major California cities and her deep experience addressing human needs with compassion, Mayor Richard Bissen appointed Margaret “Maggie” Willis as the new County of Maui Director of the Department of Human Concerns.

Maui Now.

Attorney Provides Snapshot of Immigration Enforcement on Maui

Longtime Maui immigration attorney Kevin Block says that enforcement activity on the island has changed dramatically, and that his clients are skipping medical appointments and reducing their inter-island travel out of fear.

Hawaiʻi Public Radio.

Community Celebrates Completion of Two Rebuilt Homes in Lahaina

Some 100 community leaders, volunteers, partner organizations and supporters gathered for two private home blessings and dedications to celebrate the Yadao and Kahahane families’ return home and recognize the collective efforts that made these rebuilds possible.

Maui Now.

Kaua‘i Headlines

Rudy Tai Formally Sworn in as Kauaʻi Police Chief

Rudy Tai officially began his tenure on Monday as Chief of Police of the Kaua‘i Police Department, following his appointment by the Kaua‘i Police Commission.

Kauaʻi Now.

Kauaʻi Wants to Get Tough on Beachfront Home Renovations as Tides Climb

As beaches shrink, Kauaʻi County is looking to clamp down on major renovations to homes along the coast. Under a new bill, anyone seeking to make improvements with costs exceeding 50% of the structure’s market value would have to be elevated and relocated outside of the shoreline setback area. The bare minimum is 60 feet from shore, though it’s different for each property.

Civil Beat.

Spending a Day at the Capitol

The Kauaʻi delegation to the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities numbered 42 of the 656 attendees at the Day at the Capitol. The event was celebrated on March 4 in observance of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Garden Island.